White water rafting is fun, exciting, dangerous and now Scotland has placed itself firmly on the map as the place to do it. Since the early 1970s white water rafting has become a sport that has grown rapidly year on year. Places such as River Tummel in Scotland are now home to thousands of tourists and experienced rafters alike who take to the water each year.

With white water rafting comes more than just adventure, there is the risk of injury as well. That is why anyone who is new to the sport must understand the risks that are involved every time you enter a raft. The fast-paced nature of the sport means literally anything can happen, and not just falling overboard. Steering in and out of obstacles also means that you run the risk of collisions, so it is imperative that you understand the importance of wearing a life jacket and as well as a safety helmet. It is usually the case that rapids are given a rating between 1-5 for how complicated they are, so remember and start low before working your way up. 1 is the lowest and would be suitable for young children and beginners, whilst a more experienced rafter may be able to take the challenge of a rapid classed as 5.

With the growth of rafting as a recreational activity and a sport, many improvements in the options that are open to people have become available. This means that lazy rafters looking for cheap frills without wasting energy can now look towards motorised rafts, rather than the traditional human-powered raft. This is also a great way for people to settle into the experience of riding a rapid, without the added worry of steering and powering the raft at the same time. It is also worthy of note that many say the motorised element can remove much of the fun associated with the sport.

Scotland and white water rafting now go hand in hand for a number of reasons, not least the great facilities. Scotland is home to highly skilled and qualified instructors in the area of white water rafting, but that is just the start. Places such as Grandtully, Dunkeld and Averfeldy have world class facilities for experienced rafters and beginners alike. Not only that, but Scotland is also home to dam induced rapids that mean rafters do not have to count on conditions to be sure they can have a great days sporting activity.

As Scotland continues to grow as the place to live the white water rafting experience, it is also becoming home to many sporting events in the international arena. This is not only raising the profile of white water rafting within Scotland, but also has a positive impact on the country as a whole. The areas in Scotland where rafting is most prominent are also tranquil and unspoiled, and therefore are suitable for holiday makers who want to enjoy the great sporting opportunities and the quiet country side at the same time.